2. The especial Duty of the Church in Admission of Members in the time of great Persecution, may be a little enquired into. And, (1.) It is evident, that in the Apostolical and Primitive Times, the Churches were exceeding careful not to admit into their society, such as by whom they might be betrayed unto the rage of their Persecuting Adversaries. Yet, notwithstanding all their care, they could seldom avoid it; but that when Persecution grew severe, some or other would fall from them, either out of fear, with the power of Temptation, or by a discovery of their latent hypocrisy and unbelief, unto their great trial and distress. However, they were not so scrupulous herein, with respect unto their own safety, as to exclude such as gave a tolerable account of their sincerity; but in the discharge of their Duty, committed themselves unto the care of Jesus Christ. And this is the Rule whereby we ought to walk on such occasions. Wherefore, (2.) On supposition of the establishment of Idolatry, and Persecution, there or in any place, as it was of old, under, first the Pagan, and afterwards the Antichristian Tyranny; the Church is obliged to receive into its Care and Communion all such as, (1.) Flee from Idols, and are ready to confirm their Testimony against them with suffering. (2.) Make profession of the truth of the Gospel of the Doctrine of Christ, especially as unto his Person and Offices; are, (3.) Free from scandalous Sins; and, (4.) Are willing to give up themselves unto the Rule of Christ in the Church, and a subjection unto all his Ordinances and Institutions therein. For in such a season, these things are so full an indication of sincerity, as that in the judgment of Charity, they render Men meet to be Members of the visible Church. And if any of this sort of persons, through the severity of the Church in their non Admission of them, should be cast on a conjunction in Superstitious and Idolatrous Worship, or be otherwise exposed unto Temptations and Discouragements prejudicial unto their Souls, I know not how such a Church can answer the refusal of them unto the great and universal Pastor of the whole Flock.
2. The especial Duty of the Church in Admission of Members in the time of great Persecution, may be a little enquired into. And, (1.) It is evident, that in the Apostolical and Primitive Times, the Churches were exceeding careful not to admit into their society, such as by whom they might be betrayed unto the rage of their Persecuting Adversaries. Yet, notwithstanding all their care, they could seldom avoid it; but that when Persecution grew severe, some or other would fall from them, either out of fear, with the power of Temptation, or by a discovery of their latent hypocrisie and unbelief, unto their great trial and distress. However, they were not so scrupulous herein, with respect unto their own safety, as to exclude such as gave a tolerable account of their sincerity; but in the discharge of their Duty, committed themselves unto the care of Jesus Christ. And this is the Rule whereby we ought to walk on such occasions. Wherefore, (2.) On supposition of the establishment of Idolatry, and Persecution, there or in any place, as it was of old, under, first the Pagan, and afterwards the Antichristian Tyranny; the Church is obliged to receive into its Care and Communion all such as, (1.) Flee from Idols, and are ready to confirm their Testimony against them with suffering. (2.) Make profession of the truth of the Gospel of the Doctrine of Christ, especially as unto his Person and Offices; are, (3.) Free from scandalous Sins; and, (4.) Are willing to give up themselves unto the Rule of Christ in the Church, and a subjection unto all his Ordinances and Institutions therein. For in such a season, these things are so full an indication of sincerity, as that in the judgment of Charity, they render Men meet to be Members of the visible Church. And if any of this sort of persons, through the severity of the Church in their non Admission of them, should be cast on a conjunction in Superstitious and Idolatrous Worship, or be otherwise exposed unto Temptations and Discouragements prejudicial unto their Souls, I know not how such a Church can answer the refusal of them unto the great and universal Pastor of the whole Flock.
